325i E90, what to look out for?

[sclass]

I have a '10 323i currently on 206xxxKMs...could really use more low end torque (gears are way too long for the available power) but I adjust driving style accordingly.It hates town (fuel/multiple gearchanges) but I generally get + 600km/tank.But I don't do too much town/stop-n-go stuff so I really do get to enjoy my car's higher speed abilities , and it gobbles up twisties (MSport) although it rolls too much for maximum attack.... Make sure you have new plugs,filters,and fresh oil and it'll go non-stop. Coils can also rob you of some performance/economy so check those too. The HVA issue was not really resolved even if you got the newer reworked head from BMW (noise returned after a while) so it's a case of living with the slight noise and only worrying if it gets bad.....Suspension will always be an issue especially if it's still wearing the factory items at that mileage so keep an eye out. Otherwise great cars these :thumbs:

 

[herco]

Thank you Iceman and sclass, I will definitely keep everything you guys said in mind. :blowheart:

There are still 1 or 2 things that the dealership has to sort out for me. Filed my application to finance yesterday afternoon so now I have to wait and see.

If this sale falls through I will check what I can organise with the banks to finance for a private sale. That way I can get a lot more for my money's worth and possibly buy a fanatics car. That would be ideal.

 

[Spannie]

In my experience the E90 is a stunning car to own. But that being said, should something go wrong, be prepared to pay for it and keep the vaseline ready. The most important factor I suppose is the way the car was looked after by the previous owner/s.

The diesels are better suited to everyday driving because of their torque and comparatively lower fuel consumption in my opinion, but they are also more prone to problems especially if they haven't been maintained meticulously.

Make sure to read up on the dealership before buying a car from one, bad reviews on Hello Peter indicate the after-sales service you can expect. I found this out the hard way.

Good luck on your decision and purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy regardless of what you buy.

 

[DuckKnuckle]

I bought a 2006 E90 325i A/T last year May actually.

After driving it for about 4 months and putting in 10 000kms, the car would get very erratic if I ever redlined the car.

This was bound to happen because I upgraded from a Golf 3 GS. Anyway, the car would get erratic and the idling would be very jumpy every time this happened. The only way to get rid of it was to switch the car off and back on.

Took the car in to the mechanic and it turns out it was the intake vanos causing the problem. A R12 000 part that was luckily covered by my third party warranty. Something to be aware of.

I absolutely love the car, and I get ~600km out of the tank and I drive in sport mode most of the time.

 

[herco]

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences!:ty:

Unfortunately, the model is too old for Standard Bank to finance and the other banks have no trust.

Anyhow, I searched a little and within an hour of searching for something else I was already sitting in another BMW.

Found a very well looked after 2008 320i at BMW Menlyn pre-owned. Filled in an application and will hear from the guys up tomorrow!

 

[Maljan]

Ask to see the fine print on that two year warranty. And ask about what it costs. They are actually a pretty penny for what you get. Or can potentially get. The one I looked at last time I bought a car had all sorts of limits on payouts. In the end I passed on it.

Also, do not think that the AA/Dekra check is wonderful. It is better than roadworthy but far from perfect. Check the car yourself, or take a mate along. The very best course of action is to have the checked out by a mechanic that you trust. it will annoy the seller and cost you money, but it may be money well spent. Few of us go to that much trouble, however. It is probably only really necessary for something specialized like (say) an M5.

In my case the AA/Dekra guys overlooked a few things. The rear tyres had about 50% life left (oh well, lesson learnt). The towbar was not wired up correctly (fixed by the dealer). There was a very ugly scratch on the steering wheel's leather (fixed by the dealer). A mud flap was flapping in the wind (fixed by me with a self tapper and cable tie after delivery). I took delivery in the middle of winter. The first rains showed that the wiper blades were vrot.

Nothing major, but one expects them to pick these things up. If they were as thorough as they say they are, that is. In hindsight, I should have asked for the report. Perhaps some of the items were listed, but never actioned by the dealer. So ask for the report if the car is sold as having been tested by AA/Dekra.

 

[herco]

Thank you for the response Maljan,

I will definitely request that report and check the warranty for what it is worth. The warranty is about 10k, so depending on the fine print I might ask them to leave it.

I took my dad and a mate along today, they both could not see anything major. The front bumber has a bunch of stone chips, which the dealer said they will respray as soon as the application is approved.

The 320i is an automatic, which concerns me a little with regards to performance. I'm test driving the car tomorrow so then I will be able to check. :tiptoe:

 

[Iceman007]

Ok the 320 is no pocket rocket. My dad owns a 2010 320i FACELIFT and already it has had its oil leaks / Vacuum pump / and gearbox problems. Those GM gearboxes are not that good. Also take in mind if you intend keeping then a gearbox oil change and filter change every 60 000km is recomended. Even a ZF box they recomend oil and filter change every 60 000 km

But its an all round good family car. At least its better than a VW polo or citi golf and better comfort than a toyota. Atleast you have to look within your budget and make sure you have spare change left in the end of the day. You can always upgrade later.

 

[herco]

Iceman, that is exactly the reason I chose the 320i for the time being.

This is the first car I am financing, I have no credit history with anything. I prefer to save and buy things cash, as I have done for many years now. For some reason I thought this would count in my favour, guess I was wrong. Getting some clothing accounts as well. I don't want to go through this again when I want to buy a house one day.

Looking in my budget and what banks are willing to give me, I had the option between a 320i or looking at VW Polos.

I decided to go with the 320i for obvious reasons. I will maintain this car to the best of my ability. I truly believe if I look after the car meticulously it will hold up just okay. For now, I am happy! I will pay this car for a year or 2 and then talk with the banks again.

As for the performance, I am content for now. I do offroad enduro, so I will just have to get my speed fix on my KTM.

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For interest sake, what can I expect to pay for a gearbox oil and filter change on a 2008 320i?

On my Opel TS I did gearbox oil every 10k. :=):